Vatican and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

Rome , Italy

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

Active

(17 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the lines and get priority access to Rome's most famous site and the heart of Christianity.
The Vatican, the smallest country in the world. There are a total of 11 museums and almost 7 kilometers of galleries, chapels, and rooms within the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.

Admire the works of some of the most celebrated artists in history; Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo, which hang from wall to wall and fill 2,000 rooms in the museum.
Our skip-the-line tour between the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel allows you to see the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel in all its splendor.

TEMPORARY CHANGES: The route between the museums and St. Peter's Basilica has been closed as a precaution against the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, our Vatican tours currently operate as an extensive tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel. After the tour, Guests are encouraged to explore the Basilica at their pace.

Available options

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Professional guide

Priority Access to the Vatican Museums

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Vatican Museums are Christian and art museums located within the city boundaries of the Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection amassed by popes throughout the centuries including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.

The Cortile del Belvedere, (Belvedere Courtyard in English) was a major architectural work of the High Renaissance at the Vatican Palace in Rome. Designed by Donato Bramante from 1506 onward, its concept and details reverberated in courtyard design, formalized piazzas and garden plans throughout Western Europe for centuries.[citation needed] Conceived as a single enclosed space, the long Belvedere court connected the Vatican Palace with the Villa Belvedere in a series of terraces connected by stairs, and was contained on its sides by narrow wings. Bramante did not see the work completed, and before the end of the sixteenth century it had been irretrievably altered by a building across the court, dividing it into two separate courtyards

Stop 3

The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance. Central to the ceiling decoration are nine scenes from the Book of Genesis of which The Creation of Adam is the best known, the hands of God and Adam being reproduced in countless imitations. The complex design includes several sets of individual figures, both clothed and nude, which allowed Michelangelo to fully demonstrate his skill in creating a huge variety of poses for the human figure, and have provided an enormously influential pattern book of models for other artists ever since.

Stop 4

The Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano), or simply St. Peter's Basilica (Latin: Basilica Sancti Petri), is an Italian Renaissance church in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome. Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Tickets to Saint Peter's Dome

Visit to Saint Peter's Dome

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The Experience Include Tickets of the Monument.

Avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks.

Not wheelchair accessible. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for people with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

All customers will be asked to show a photo ID, you must bring a photo ID in order to access the monument.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pets are not allowed inside the museum

On Wednesday, due to the weekly papal audience and during the religious ceremony, there is a possibility that St. Peter's Basilica will not be available during which access to St. Peter's Basilica will be closed.

Provide an active phone number during the booking process to be contacted regarding the last-minute change.

Tour bookings have strict deadlines. To join the tour, you must be at the check-in meeting point at least 30 minutes before the tour departure time.

If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay again for a new activity. According to the "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for men and women. You may risk being refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

Please note that capacity and safety regulations may delay the tour departure This may also affect the smooth running of the tour, especially during national holidays and events.

Cancellations, changes or problems due to weather conditions, security and events held by the monument are beyond our control and are directly decided by their administrative team. These issues will be examined by us and dealt with on an individual basis, but they are the responsibility of the monument.

All visitors must go through the monument / attraction security check, please allow at least 20 minutes for security to clear.

Exact schedules and bookings may vary, depending on the availability and decisions of the monument / attraction administration offices on the day of booking and may be subject to last minute changes. The departure time may differ up to 20 minutes from the selected time.

We cannot be held responsible in the event of a sudden closure of St. Peter's Basilica or any other room within the Vatican Museums without notice, as this is a decision of the Vatican Administration itself and we have no control over it.

Travelers must be in good physical shape

Meeting point

The meeting point is only 200m (660ft) from the main entrance of the Vatican Museums.

Important notes

You must arrive at least 30 mins before your chosen departure time.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots